Great Oakley
GREAT OAKLEY: Private airfield
Note: The first two pictures are by the author. The third picture (2015) was obtained from Google Earth ©
Operated by: Mr Tim Spurge
Location: 3 to 4nm WSW to SW of Harwich
Period of operation: 1990s (?) to -
Runways: 04/22 600 grass 09/27 900 grass
NOTES:
My knowledge of this lovely airfield evolved slowly, as I suppose it did. My first entry being simply - Base for Jodel D140 G-AROW in 2004?
A couple of AAIB reports gave more clues. In 2005 an AAIB report, (EW/G2005/07/03), graphically describes the unfortunate accident that led to the demise of the Tucker DG Taylor Titch G-VIVI from which the pilot escaped unscathed! It was from this I gleaned the information that the runway was 04/22. Also in 2005 another AAIB report, (EW/G2005/09/07), involving the Super Cub G-BGWH, the runway is given as 09/27 - so by now I was thinking that maybe GREAT OAKLEY had two runways?
Confirming that GREAT OAKLEY had two runways is the AAIB report EW/G2005/11/08. In FLYER magazine, (March 2006), I learnt that GREAT OAKLEY had been granted planning approval for up to thirty aircraft, and up to thirty aircraft movements a day.
FLYING PAST
I well remember flying past it a year or two later and taking photographs, thinking this really is a fine example of a private airfield. In making these notes over the years, they also serve well to indicate that during the various stages of compiling this basic 'Guide' over many years; that the making of aviation history, and the recording of this history, does not stand still.
A GENERAL WARNING
I had GREAT OAKLEY on my 'wish-list' to visit for several years. Then several things conspired to end my flying career in short succession. This can happen, and usually does, as you get older and decrepit. So, if much youmger, take my advice and visit as many places as you can. Do not delay.
In mitigation, right up to the end I was flying into and from loads of different places, and not just in the UK either. There are of course, so many lovely places to choose from, across the globe. Every now and again I still take a flight, as a passenger of course, in light aircraft and gliders, to experience something which really is a privilege.
We'd love to hear from you, so please scroll down to leave a comment!
Leave a comment ...
Copyright (c) UK Airfield Guide
